Canada's Role in Afghanistan

Geo-Politics: Oil and the U.S. Access
There is rarely any mention in the media of the fact that since the collapse of the Soviet Union, US oil companies have been keen to exploit Caspian Sea oil and gas- proven reserves of between 17-44 billion barrels of oil, and 232 trillion cubic feet of gas. One of the largest reserves in the world. At the moment, production of these reserves is limited.

The Trans-Afghan Pipeline. In 2002 Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan agreed to build a trans-afghan pipeline, expected to deliver 30 Billion cubic meters of natural gas/year. The only stumbling block to this deal is the lack of stability in Afghanistan. (The only other possible routes for the pipeline, as you can see by the map (Click to enlarge) are south through Iran, an enemy of the US, east through China, a competitor of the US, or north through Russia, an unreliable and heavily armed ally.

Afghanistan: Control
Hamid Kazi, the president of Afghanistan, was propelled into power and remains protected by the US. The only problem remaining, then, is the creation of 'stability' in order to allow the pipeline to proceed.

Canada: Power Profits & Peace Rhetoric
Buried Hill Energy (Edmonton): contracted to develop the Serdar block in the Caspian Area
Bell: $1 Billion contract to supply US helicopters
Thermo Design: $42 million contract for production of LPG and gas condensate plant
CAE: $20 million contract to supply combat simulation technology

Canada is in Afghanistan for two reasons: (i) to make profits, at the expense of the Afghan People; (ii) to participate and "present" as a less aggressive, useful counterpoint to the militant US posture.

In other words, Canadian leaders Chretien (involved in promoting Canadian corporations, including the Buried Hill Energy deal (2004) mentioned above); Martin (troops deployed during election); and 'no-debate' Harper-- have chosen, without any debate, to draw Canada into a war of greed we have no business being involved in; which will tarnish Canada's international reputation; will greatly disturb most Canadians; and may in future subject Canada to terrorist attacks.

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